Why do roots have tiny hairs?
All roots have root hairs. Root hairs are very tiny hairs on roots that are tube shaped cells. These root hairs are the feeder roots to take in water and minerals nutrients from the soil. Root hairs – absorptive unicellular extensions of epidermal cells of a root. These tiny, hair-like structures function as the major site of water and mineral uptake. Root hairs are extremely delicate and subject to desiccation. Root hairs are easily destroyed in transplanting A protein at the tip of the root hairs, called RHD2, produces free radicals that stimulate the uptake of calcium from the soil. The calcium in turn stimulates the activity of RHD2, continuing the cycle. The cycle stops when the root hairs hit an obstacle because calcium can no longer be taken up. The roots then start to grow in another direction.
